FANS of Vera have been left convinced the ITV show will launch a brand new spin-off series after a very telling clue.
The iconic crime drama, starring actress Brenda Blethyn, drew to a close after 14 years last night after the star decided to bow out of the role.
DCI Vera Stanhope was left flooded with memories of her childhood as she investigated her final ever case on the show.
It included flashbacks to time she spent with her father who challenged her idea that she could become a member of the police force.
With the individual at the heart of the case, Chloe, reminding her of herself, it allowed Vera to finally feel accomplished in what she had achieved in her role in the force.
Fans will know that she was left mulling over a promotion to Chief Superintendent but in the end, Vera opted to retire and walk away from the force for good.
Impressed with how well her team worked, she realised it was the right call to let “others spread their wings”.
As a result, it saw her right-hand man Joe Ashworth take on her role as the head of the team.
Having cleared out her office without saying goodbye or telling anyone what she was up to, Joe was left stunned to see Vera’s letter on her desk.
But this telling clue has now left fans assured that Vera bosses are setting the show up for a spin-off which will continue to follow Joe in Vera’s shoes and the rest of the team, including Kenny and Paula.
Some even suggested that the potential spin-off could be called DCI Joe or Ashworth.
Writing online after the series finale, one fan penned: “Brilliant last show. Can’t wait for the first episode of ‘Joe’ #Vera.”
Another person added: “DCI Joe? Itv can’t just let go one of the best crime dramas ever. #Vera #itv.”
A third echoed: “@ITV I know it won’t be the same but after morse we had Lewis. Could we have Joe or Ashworth maybe?.”
Further spin-off speculation continued as someone else went on to suggest: “Inspector Morse was followed by Endeavour. Could we have a #Vera equivalent please?”
Before a fifth chimed in to say: “Well there we go end of an era. Gonna watch the documentary tomorrow night on it.
“Wonder if Joe gets a spinoff series.
“Ashworth has a got nice ring to it.”
Actress Brenda received universal praise for her role in the show with many fans insisting they were left pleased with the triumphant ending.
The final scenes saw that Vera had adopted a stray dog who had been sniffing around her house as she enjoyed a leisurely retirement.
She even decided to get back into bird-watching, a hobby of her father’s and something he had always had hoped Vera would get into.
Since its launch back in 2011 Vera has gripped ITV viewers with its crime stories - and dozens of actors have appeared in the show, including:
